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United States Patent |
6,027,405
|
Leining
,   et al.
|
February 22, 2000
|
Carcass splitting apparatus
Abstract
A carcass splitting apparatus 10 splits the carcass of an animal suspended
by a suspension mechanism from an overhead conveyor. The apparatus
includes a frame and a carriage assembly for moving along the frame. A
drive mechanism moves the carriage along the frame and a saw is connected
to the carriage for general vertical movement to split the carcass. A
suspension member pusher is connected to the assembly for controlling
movement of the carcass independent of the overhead conveyor. The
apparatus includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders and transducers to
monitor the locations of the various components of the carcass splitting
apparatus.
Inventors:
|
Leining; Lyndon R. (Austin, MN);
Boody; Lawrence D. (Oliver Springs, TN)
|
Assignee:
|
Hormel Foods, LLC (Austin, MN)
|
Appl. No.:
|
191570 |
Filed:
|
November 13, 1998 |
Current U.S. Class: |
452/160; 452/152 |
Intern'l Class: |
A22B 005/20 |
Field of Search: |
452/160,152
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
3916482 | Nov., 1975 | Kvilhaug.
| |
4507822 | Apr., 1985 | Herubel.
| |
4562388 | Dec., 1985 | Wolf | 318/301.
|
4562614 | Jan., 1986 | Gerding.
| |
4653150 | Mar., 1987 | Leining.
| |
4667368 | May., 1987 | Menqi.
| |
4667371 | May., 1987 | Vogt.
| |
4841602 | Jun., 1989 | van der Hoorn et al.
| |
4970756 | Nov., 1990 | Durand | 452/160.
|
5160295 | Nov., 1992 | Bekkers | 452/160.
|
5254031 | Oct., 1993 | Balke | 452/149.
|
5421772 | Jun., 1995 | Durand | 452/160.
|
5611727 | Mar., 1997 | Dufour et al. | 452/153.
|
5613905 | Mar., 1997 | Van Ochten et al. | 452/160.
|
5626515 | May., 1997 | Krogh | 452/187.
|
5655960 | Aug., 1997 | Van Horeebeck | 452/160.
|
5779533 | Jul., 1998 | Jacobs et al. | 452/160.
|
Foreign Patent Documents |
24 21 225 | Nov., 1975 | DE.
| |
3319261 | Nov., 1984 | DE | 452/160.
|
Primary Examiner: Little; Willis
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Mau & Krull, P.A.
Claims
We claim:
1. An apparatus for splitting an animal carcass longitudinally through the
backbone thereof, such as a hog carcass, as the carcass is suspended by a
suspension mechanism from a rail on an overhead conveyor, the suspension
mechanism being moveable on the rail and driven by the conveyor, the
apparatus comprising:
(a) a frame having a longitudinal axis generally parallel to an overhead
conveyor;
(b) a carriage assembly moveable along the longitudinal axis of the frame;
(c) a driving mechanism for moving the carriage assembly along the frame;
(d) a saw operatively connected to the carriage for generally vertical
movement to split the carcass;
(e) a suspension member pusher operatively connected to the carriage
assembly, the pusher comprising:
(i) a hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod; and
(ii) a probe surface operatively connected to the rod, wherein when the
probe moves from a retracted position to an extended position, the probe
surface engages the suspension mechanism and the probe surface, instead of
the conveyor, controls movement along the rail as the driving mechanism
moves the carriage assembly along the longitudinal axis.
2. An apparatus for splitting an animal carcass longitudinally through the
backbone thereof, such as a hog carcass, as the carcass is suspended by a
suspension mechanism from a rail on an overhead conveyor, the suspension
mechanism being moveable on the rail and driven by the conveyor, the
apparatus comprising:
(a) a frame having a longitudinal axis generally parallel to an overhead
conveyor;
(b) a carriage assembly moveable along the longitudinal axis of the frame,
the carriage having a first section on a first side of the longitudinal
axis and a second section on a second side of the longitudinal axis;
(c) a driving mechanism for moving the carriage along the frame;
(d) a first hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod, the cylinder
operatively connected to the frame and the rod operatively connected to
the carriage assembly, a first transducer operatively connected to the
rod;
(e) a saw carriage mast pivotally mounted to the first section of the
carriage for movement to the second section;
(f) a second hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod, the cylinder
operatively connected to the frame and the rod operatively connected to
the saw carriage mast, a second transducer operatively connected to the
rod;
(g) a saw moveable vertically on the saw carriage mast; and
(h) a third hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod, the cylinder
operatively connected to the frame and the rod operatively connected to
the saw, a third transducer operatively connected to the rod, wherein the
position of each extendable rod is able to be monitored and more precisely
controlled.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
(a) a suspension member pusher operatively connected to the carriage
assembly, wherein the suspension member pusher moves with the carriage
assembly; and
(b) the pusher having a fourth hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod
operatively connected to a probe surface and a fourth transducer
operatively connected to the rod, wherein when the probe moves from a
retracted position to an extended position, the probe engages the
suspension member and the probe surface, instead of the conveyor, controls
movement along the rail as the driving mechanism moves the carriage
assembly along the longitudinal axis.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a spine centering assembly,
the spine locator assembly comprising:
(a) first and second arms having first ends pivotally mounted to the first
section of the carriage for movement toward the second section;
(b) a fifth hydraulic cylinder having an extendable arm, the extendable arm
for pivoting the first and second arms; and
(c) first and second spine centering devices operatively connected to
second ends of the first and second arms, the centering devices spaced
apart at a distance greater than a width of a backbone, wherein when the
arms are pivoted to an extended position, the backbone is centered between
the spine centering devices.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a ham centering mechanism,
the ham centering mechanism comprising:
(a) a mast having a first end secured to the second section of the carriage
frame and the mast having a second end;
(b) a socket positioned proximate the second end of the mast, the socket
having a receiving cavity;
(c) the saw carriage mast having a first end pivotally mounted to the
carriage and the saw carriage mast a second end; and
(d) a mating member operatively connected to the second end of the saw
carriage mast, wherein when the saw carriage mast is pivoted from its
position on the first section toward the second section, the mating member
is positioned in the socket, thereby centering the hams of the carcass.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a plow assembly operatively
connected to the second end of the saw carriage mast, the plow assembly
having a generally V-shape to separate the hams as the saw carriage masts
pivots.
7. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a shoulder centering
mechanism, the shoulder centering mechanism comprising:
(a) first and second plates having first ends rotatably mounted about a
vertical axis to the carriage frame mast, and second ends rotatable
between a disengaged and an engaged positions;
(b) a pinion gear operatively connected to each plate; and
(c) a rack positioned between the pinion gears, wherein movement of the
rack causes both plates to move between the disengaged and engaged
positions.
8. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:
(a) first and second rollers mounted to the frame;
(b) a conveyor belt rotatable around the rollers; and
(c) a clamp operatively connected to the carriage assembly, the clamp
moveable between an open and closed position, wherein the belt is
rotatable around the rollers when the clamp is closed and the carriage
assembly moves.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the clamp has an upper opening and a
lower opening and the belt has an upper member positioned in the upper
opening and a lower member positioned in the lower opening, wherein when
the carriage assembly is moved in a first direction the upper opening is
closed and when the carriage assembly moves in a second, opposite
direction, the lower opening is closed.
10. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a restraining mechanism,
the restraining mechanism comprising:
(a) first and second pulleys, the pulleys secured in position under an
overhead conveyor carrying an animal carcass;
(b) a belt positioned around the pulleys;
(c) the belt driven at a speed equal to the overhead conveyor; and
(d) the pulleys positioned so that the belt contracts the carcass proximate
the first pulley and gradually moves away from the carcass and proximate
the second pulley the belt is not in contact with the carcass, wherein
oscillating movements of the carcass are minimized due to contact with the
belt.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a rotatable shaft having
a first end operatively connected to one of the pulleys and a second end
operatively connected to a drive wheel, the drive wheel having engagement
teeth that engage a drive chain of the conveyor, wherein the drive chain
rotates the drive wheel, thereby rotating the shaft and the pulley so that
the belt moves at a speed equal to that of the conveyor.
12. A method of splitting an animal carcass longitudinally through the
backbone thereof, such as a hog carcass, comprising:
(a) suspending a carcass from a suspension member, the suspension member
being moveable on a rail and driven by an engaging member of the conveyor;
(b) moving the suspension member on the rail away from the engaging member;
(c) controlling movement of the suspension member on the rail by a carcass
splitting machine while the carcass is being split; and
(d) releasing control of the suspension member back to the engaging member,
wherein variable movement of the conveyor is eliminated during actual
splitting of the carcass by having the movement of suspension member
controlled by the carcass splitter.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for splitting an animal
carcass into nearly equal halves along the backbone, and more particularly
to a carcass splitting apparatus which controls the movement of the hog
carcass as it is being split while using a plurality of transducers and
hydraulic cylinders to monitor movement of the components of the
apparatus.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In commercial meat packing operations, animals, such as hogs, are
slaughtered, bled, skinned, eviscerated, and the carcass is then cut into
halves before it is chilled. The carcasses are suspended from an overhead
rail and moved by a conveyor on the rail and the workers make a vertical
cut through the carcass along the backbone with a power driven saw. The
vertical cut is made by the worker as the hog carcass is moved by the
overhead conveyor. This type of carcass splitting procedure is both
dangerous and labor intensive.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,653,150 discloses a carcass splitting apparatus which
mechanically splits the carcass. The apparatus is tied to the movement of
the overhead conveyor and therefore is subject to the variations in speed
which may take place in a large overhead conveying system. Still further
the components of the apparatus are moved in and out horizontally,
requiring a larger mass to be moved.
The present invention addresses the problems associated with the prior art
devices and provides for a carcass splitter which controls the movement of
the animal carcass as it is being split, thereby increasing the control
over the carcass. In addition, the present invention provides for an
apparatus which pivotally moves a number of the components to more
accurately and more easily track the motion of the components which
utilize hydraulic cylinders having transducers attached thereto.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for splitting an animal carcass
longitudinally through the backbone thereof, such as a hog carcass, as the
carcass is suspended by suspension mechanism from a rail on an overhead
conveyor. The suspension mechanism is movable on the rail and driven by
the conveyor. The apparatus includes a frame having a longitudinal axis
generally parallel to the overhead conveyor. A carriage assembly is
movable along the longitudinal axis of the frame. A drive mechanism is
provided for moving the carriage assembly along the frame. A saw is
operatively connected to the carriage for generally vertical movement to
split the carcass. A suspension member pusher is operatively connected to
the carriage assembly. The pusher includes a hydraulic cylinder having an
extendable rod. A probe surface is operatively connected to the rod,
wherein when the probe moves from a retracted position to an extended
position, the probe surface engages the suspension member and the probe
surface, instead of the conveyor, controls movement along the rail as the
drive mechanism moves the carriage assembly along the longitudinal axis.
In another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for splitting an
animal carcass longitudinally through the backbone thereof, such as a hog
carcass, as the carcass is suspended by a suspension mechanism from a rail
on an overhead conveyor. The suspension mechanism is movable on the rail
and driven by the conveyor. The apparatus includes a frame having a
longitudinal axis generally parallel to an overhead conveyor. A carriage
assembly is movable along the longitudinal axis of the frame. The carriage
has a first section on a first side of the longitudinal axis and a second
section on the second side of the longitudinal axis. A first hydraulic
cylinder has an extendable rod. The cylinder is operatively connected to
the frame and the rod is operatively connected to the carriage assembly. A
first transducer is operatively connected to the rod. A saw carriage mast
is pivotally mounted to the first section of the carriage. A second
hydraulic cylinder having an extendable rod is operatively connected to
the frame. The rod is operatively connected to the saw carriage mast. A
second transducer is operatively connected to the rod. A saw is movable
vertically on the saw carriage mast. A third hydraulic cylinder has an
extendable arm and the cylinder is operatively connected to the frame and
the rod is operatively connected to the saw. A third transducer is
operatively connected to the rod, wherein the position of each extendable
rod is able to be monitored and more precisely controlled.
In another embodiment, the invention is a method of splitting an animal
carcass longitudinally through the backbone thereof, such as a hog
carcass. The method includes suspending a carcass from a suspension
member. The suspension member is moveable on a rail and driven by an
engaging member of the conveyor. The suspension member, while on the rail,
is moved away from the engaging member. Movement of the suspension member
is controlled by a carcass-splitting machine while the carcass is being
split. Then, control of the suspension member is released back to the
engaging member, wherein variable movement of the conveyor is eliminated
by having the suspension member controlled by the carcass splitter during
actual splitting of the carcass.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the carcass splitting apparatus of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a left side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tilt tube assembly of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the saw assembly and mount of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the spine centering arm assembly of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carriage assembly of the apparatus
shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the driving mechanism of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of the apparatus shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the belt of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a hog suspended from a conveyor system for
bringing a hog to the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 12a is a schematic representation of a top view of a portion of the
guide rail and belt shown in FIG. 12.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the shoulder flap assembly of
the apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the vertical mast of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the trolley pusher arm assembly of the
apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts
throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed at 10 a carcass
splitting apparatus. The carcass splitting apparatus includes a frame
generally designated at 20 as shown in FIG. 10. The frame 20 is attached
to four supports 21. The supports have abase 21a which is secured to the
floor by appropriate means such as bolts. The supports 21 are used to
adjust the height of the frame 20. This allows for the carcass splitting
apparatus 10 to be utilized in factories which have overhead conveyors of
varying height. For different height overhead conveyors, the height of the
apparatus 10 is adjusted by using supports 21 of different heights. The
frame 20 includes a first base member 22 that is secured by appropriate
means, such as bolts, to the supports 21. A second base member 23 is
secured to the other two supports 21 in a similar manner. Secured to the
first base member 22 are two vertical supports 24 and 25. The vertical
supports 24 and 25 are L-shaped and have their lower sections secured to
the base member 22 by suitable means, such as bolts. Two upright carriage
support members 28 are secured to the base member 21 by suitable means
such as welding. Similarly, two additional upright carriage members 28 are
secured to the second base member 23. Supported by the upright members 28
is a horizontal carriage support member 29. The member 29 is suitably
attached by means such as welding. Bearing members 30 are secured to each
side of the horizontal support member 29. The bearing members 30 may be
secured to the support member 29 by suitable means such as bolts 31. The
bearing member 30 has a bearing surface 30a which is generally horizontal.
In addition to the bearing surface 30a there is also a bearing surface 30b
which is generally perpendicular to 30a and a third bearing surface 30c
which is parallel to 30a and perpendicular to surface 30b. These three
surfaces form the bearing surfaces on which the carriage assembly will
travel. Generally elongate and rectangular guards 30d are positioned on
each side of the bearing member 30 proximate the horizontal support member
29 to prevent an operator's fingers from going into a pinch area. A first
support bar 32 is connected between the vertical supports 24 and 25 by
suitable means such as bolts. A second support bar 33 is secured to the
other end of the horizontal member 29 by suitable means such as welding.
Brackets 34 and 35 are secured to the support bar 32 for rotatably
supporting a conveyor roller 36. Brackets 37 and 38 are secured to the
support bar 33 to rotatably support a conveyor roller 39.
Slidable along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10, as defined by the
support member 29 is a carriage assembly, generally designated at 40. The
carriage assembly 40, as best seen in FIG. 8, includes a vertical mast 41
operatively connected to a lower frame 42 having members 42a through 43e.
The frame members are connected by suitable means such as welding and in
turn connected to the mast 41 by suitable means such as welding. Two
elongate bearing members 43 are operatively connected to the bottom
surfaces of the lower frame 42. The bottom of the bearing members 43 form
a bearing surface which slides on the bearing surfaces 30a. Two connecting
posts 44 are welded to the inside of the lower frame and to connecting
posts 45 are also welded to the inside of the frame 42. The posts have
bottom surfaces 44a and 45a respectively which are used to connect a
bottom plate assembly to the carriage assembly, as will be discussed more
fully hereafter.
Referring now to FIG. 9, the drive mechanism for propelling the carriage
assembly 40 along the support member 29 is shown. The drive mechanism,
generally designated at 50, includes a hydraulic cylinder 51 having an
extendable rod 52. A mounting boss 53 is operatively connected to the
cylinder 51. A similar mounting boss is provided on the far side of the
cylinder, as viewed in FIG. 9, but is not shown. Two cylinder trunnion
mounting blocks 54 are mounted to the upright carriage member 28 by
suitable means such as bolts. This secures one end of the hydraulic
cylinder 51 to the frame 20. The other end of the cylinder 51, namely the
extendable rod 52, is connected to the carriage assembly 40, so that
movement of the cylinder rod 52 moves the carriage assembly. The end of
the extendable rod 52 is connected to a mounting block 55, which in turn
has a support member 56 connected thereto by suitable means such as
welding. Secured to the support member 56 is a bottom plate 57. Two
bearing pad support blocks 58, having bearing pads 58a secured thereto,
are positioned and secured on top of the bottom plate 57. The bearing pads
58a have a bearing surface and the bearing pads run generally longitudinal
to the frame 20. The bottom plate is secured to the carriage assembly 40
by suitable means such as bolts and nuts. As viewed in FIG. 9, there are
several holes 59 in the bearing plate 57. It is through these holes that
the bearing plate 57 is secured. There are four sets of three holes 59 in
the bottom plate 57 which are connected to the bottoms 44a and 45a of the
connecting posts 44 and 45. When the bottom plate 57 is connected to the
frame in such a manner, the bearing surfaces 58a are in contact with the
bearing surface 30c. A servo valve 60 is operatively connected to the
hydraulic cylinder 51. The servo valve 60 is mounted inside of a Hoffman
box 61 for protection from the elements. A transducer 62 is operatively
connected to the cylinder 51 so that the position of the extendable rod 52
can be precisely monitored as it is driven in and out by the servo valve
60. Hydraulic cylinders having a Temposonic transducer for position
feedback and control are available from MTS Corporation, Minneapolis,
Minn.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 8, a tilt tube assembly, generally designated
at 70, is mounted for pivotal movement on the carriage assembly 40. The
tilt tube assembly 70 includes a mast 71 which has a yoke 72 welded at one
end. Secured to the yoke, and therefore the mast 71, are two tapered
bosses 73. The bosses 73 are positioned inside of tapered bearings 74
which in turn are secured by suitable means, such as welding to the lower
frame 42b and 42d. The tilt tube assembly 70 is therefore free to tilt
from its cutting position, as shown in FIG. 1, to a non-cutting position
when the top of the mast 71 is tilted backward, when viewed in FIG. 1.
Movement for the tilt tube assembly 70 is provided by a hydraulic cylinder
75 having an extendable rod 76. The extendable rod 76 is connected to the
tilt tube assembly 70 by means of a tilt cylinder pin 77 which is
positioned between the two segments of the yoke 72. The extendable rod 76
has a mounting member 78 which has an aperture 78a through which the tilt
pin is inserted. A servo valve 79 is operatively connected to the
hydraulic cylinder 75 and positioned inside of a Hoffman box 61 to protect
it from the elements. A transducer 80 is operatively connected to the
cylinder 75 so that the exact position of the end of the extendable rod 76
may be monitored as it is moved by the servo valve 79. The cylinder 75 has
bosses 81 positioned on both sides. Mounting blocks 82 are secured to the
carriage assembly 40. As shown in FIG. 8, the carriage 40 has a bottom
extension 46. The bottom extension 46 has a first member 46a secured at
one end by suitable means, such as welding, to the lower frame 42. The
other end of the first member 46a is welded to a plate 46b, which in turn
has two extension arms 46c and 46d welded thereto. At the end of the
extension arm 46c and 46d are formed three apertures 46e. Mounting blocks
82 are attached by suitable means, such as bolts to the apertures 46e. An
extension block 46f is welded to the extension arm 46d. Apertures 46g are
formed therein and are used to secure a pneumatic cylinder 132, as will be
described more fully hereafter.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a saw head assembly, generally designated
at 90, is mounted on the tilt tube assembly for movement up and down the
tilt tube assembly. Two elongate tracks 91 are mounted on opposite sides
of the mast 71. Two mounting plates 92 are movably attached to the tracks
91. Each mounting plate 92 has four apertures 92a formed therein. Four
wheels 220 are attached by suitable means such as bearings to the inside
of each mounting plate 92 at the position of the holes 92a. These four
wheels contact the track 91 and roll on the track 91. The saw assembly 90
includes a saw blade 93 operatively connected to a motor 94. This assembly
90 is in turn mounted between the plates 92. Two slots 95 are provided in
each mounting plate 92 which provide a point of attachment for the saw
head assembly 90, by suitable means such as bolts.
The mounting plates 92 and saw head assembly 90 combination is moved up and
down on the track 91 by means of a hydraulic cylinder 96. The hydraulic
cylinder 96 has an extendable rod 97 that is operatively connected to a
servo valve 98 which is mounted inside of a Hoffman box 61 for protection
from the environment. A transducer 99 is operatively connected to the
hydraulic cylinder 96 so as to be able to precisely monitor the end of the
extendable rod 97. At the end of the extension rod 97 is a mounting member
100 that has an aperture 100a through which a pin 101 is positioned. The
pin 101 is secured by suitable means, such as bolts, between the upper
flanges of the mounting plates 92.
A plow assembly, generally designated at 102, is secured to the top of the
mast 71 by suitable means such as welding. The plow assembly 102 has a
connecting member 103 that is welded to the top of the mast 71. Angled
generally downward are two arms 104 on each side of the connecting member
103. A generally V-shaped section is formed by a first link 105 which is
connected to one of the arms 104 and a second link 106 which is connected
to the other arm 104. The links 105 and 106 are joined at their other ends
to form a nose section 107. Secured to the links, and generally above the
links, is a three-piece shroud 108 inside which the saw head assembly 90
is positioned when it is at the top of the mast. A center arm 109 has one
end connected to the shroud 108 and the other end to the connecting member
103 to further support the shroud 108. Referring now to FIG. 8, secured to
the top of the mast 41 is a ham-centering socket 110. The socket 110 has a
central cavity which is adapted to receive the nose section 107. The
cavity is formed at the top by two angled walls 111. The purpose of the
angle to the walls 111 is to guide the nose section 107 down to the lower
portion of the cavity, generally designated as 112. The lower portion of
the cavity 112 is sized and configured substantially the same as the nose
section 107 so as to firmly locate the nose section 107, which is a mating
member, in the socket 110.
Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is generally designated at 120 a
spine centering arm assembly. The spine centering arm assembly 120 is
pivotally mounted to the carriage assembly 40. First and second rollers
121 and 122 are rotatably mounted to arms 123 and 124 respectively. The
second ends of the arms 123 and 124 are secured to mounting blocks 125 and
126 by suitable means such as bolts. The mounting blocks 125 and 126 are
in turn secured to plates 127 and 128 by suitable means, such as bolts.
The plates 127 and 128 are in turn secured, by suitable means such as
welding, to the top of arms 129 and 130 respectively. The arms 123 and 124
form an approximately a 90.degree. angle with the arms 129 and 130. The
bottoms of the arms 129 and 130 are secured by suitable means such as
welding to a cylinder 131. The cylinder 131 has shafts 131a and 131b
extending in opposite directions. The shafts 131a and 131b are pivotally
mounted in openings 45b between connector posts 45. Rotation of the
cylinder 131 between the connecting posts 45 is controlled by a pneumatic
cylinder 132 having an extendable rod 133. The pneumatic cylinder 132 is
operatively connected to the frame 42. The cylinder 132 has a mounting
block 132a operatively connected thereto. The mounting block 132a is
secured to the apertures 43g, thereby securing the cylinder 132 to the
fame 42 via the bottom extension 46.
Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 13, a shoulder flap assembly, generally
designated at 140, is operatively connected to the mast 41. Referring to
FIG. 14, the mast 41 is shown in an enlarged view. The mast 41 comprises a
lower section 41a welded to a rectangular tube 41b which extends generally
90.degree. to the lower portion 41a. The tube 41b has an opening 41g
formed on both sides. Only one window is seen in FIG. 14. The tube 41b is
in turn welded to an upper section 41c. Gussets 41d and 41e are welded to
section 41b and 41c and 41a respectively. Stiffeners 41f are welded to the
sections 41a and 41c to further form a solid mast 41. Still referring to
FIG. 14, upper mounting block 141 is welded to the frame 41 and lower
mounting block 142 is welded to the mast 41. Each mounting block 141 and
142 has a bore 141a and 142a formed therein. As will be described more
fully hereafter, there are two upper mounting blocks 141 and two lower
mounting blocks 142.
Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown two plates or shoulder engaging
members 143. They are mounted on opposite sides of the mast 41 and are
mirror images of each other, as is the method in which they are mounted.
Accordingly, only one shoulder-engaging member 143 will be described in
detail as well as its mounting. The shoulder-engaging member 143 has
attached thereto an upper arm 144 and a lower arm 145 by suitable means
such as welding. An aperture 144a and 145a is formed in each of the arms
144 and 145 respectively. The shaft 146 extends through the upper aperture
144a and the upper mounting block after 141a. It is secured in position by
a bearing 147 and a thrust plate 148. The bottom of the shaft 146 extends
through the lower arm aperture 145 and the lower mounting block aperture
142a. It similarly is secured by a bearing 147 and a thrust plate 148. A
pinion 149 and trantorque 150 are positioned between the lower bearing 147
and are around the shaft 146. A housing 151 encloses the pinion 149. A
pneumatic cylinder 152 is mounted in the housing 41b. Connected to the
extendable rod 152a of the cylinder 152 is a rack 153. The rack is dual
sided so as to engage pinion gears 149 for both the right and left
shoulder engaging members 143 through window 41g. Therefore, as the
extendable rod 152a of the pneumatic cylinder 152 moves in and out, the
rack 153 is moved. The rack 153 is positioned between the pinions 149 and
thereby causes both pinions and their respective shafts 146 to rotate. The
upper and lower arms 144 and 145 are secured to the shafts 146 by suitable
means such as bolts so that rotation of the shaft causes the shoulder
engaging members 143 to rotate also.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 8 and 11, there is shown at 154a clean-off belt. The
belt has a top member 154a and a bottom member 154b. The members 154a and
154b are preferably connected to form a continuous loop belt. The belt 154
is positioned around conveyor rollers 36 and 39. Referring to FIG. 8,
secured to lower frame member 42b are two pneumatically operated clamps
155. The clamps have an upper indentation 155a and a lower indentation
155b. The top member 154a is positioned inside of the two indentations
155a and the lower belt 154b is positioned in the lower indentations 155b.
The clamps 155 may be actuated to close the top indentation 155a, and
thereby grasp the upper belt 154a or the lower indentation 155b may be
closed and thereby grasp the lower belt 154b. Rotation of the belt 154 is
then accomplished by simply grasping either the top or bottom belt 154a or
154b and then, as the drive mechanism 50 moves the carriage, the conveyor
belt is rotated without the necessity of having a separate drive motor.
Referring to FIG. 8, there is generally disclosed at 160 a trolley pusher
arm assembly. The pusher arm assembly 160 is connected to the carriage
assembly 40 by means of an offset arm 161 which has a first end welded to
the mast 41. A support post 162 is secured to the offset arm 161 by any
suitable clamps 163. Preferably, the clamps 163 allow for the support
posts to be moved vertically so that the height of the pusher arm assembly
may be adjusted. A trolley-engaging member or probe 164 is generally
rectangular in shape. The forward end of the engaging member 164 is angled
and forms a leading edge 164a. A hydraulic cylinder 165 having an
extendable rod 166 which is operatively connected to the engaging member
164. The hydraulic cylinder 165 has an MTS transducer 167 operatively
connected thereto so as to be able to continually monitor the exact
position of the extendable rod 167. A servo valve 168 is operatively
connected to and controls the operation of the hydraulic cylinder 165. The
servo valve 168 is enclosed in a Hoffman box 61 for protection from the
elements. The hydraulic cylinder 165 is mounted to a plate 169. The plate
is in turn mounted on a rotatable shaft 170. The shaft 170 rotates within
a housing 171. The housing 171 is secured to one end of a connecting
member 172 which has its other end connected to the support post 162 by
suitable means such as welding. A biasing force on the shaft 170 is
provided by a spring 173. The spring has a first end secured to a tab 174
which is welded to the support post 162. The other end of the spring 173
is connected to a first end of a lever arm 175. The second end of the
lever arm 175 is connected to a disc 176 which is in turn secured to the
shaft 170. Therefore, a force on the lever arm 175, by the spring 173,
biases the shaft 170 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG.
15. A collar 177 is secured around the housing 171. Secured to the collar
177 is a yoke member 178 which has a central aperture in which a shaft 179
is secured. Secured to the other end of the shaft 179 is a urethane stop
member 180. The stop member 180 has a trolley engaging surface 181. As
possibly best seen in FIG. 8, when the leading edge 164a is extended a
trolley, as will be described more fully hereafter, it is captured between
the leading edge 164a and the trolley engaging surface 181.
Referring to FIG. 12, the hog carcass C is moved into position for the
splitting operation by an overhead conveyor device, generally designated
as 182. The overhead conveyor device 182 includes a plurality of hanger
brackets 183 which are secured to a permanent structure, such as beams,
ceiling or the like and which support and elongate guide rail 184. Each
hog carcass C is suspended from a trolley 185. The trolley 185 includes a
trolley wheel 186 that engages and moves along the guide rail 184. A
trolley frame 187 is suspended from the trolley wheel 186 and is provided
with a hook 188 at its lower end for engaging and supporting an elongate
gambrel 189. The gambrel 189 projects through incisions in the hind feet
of the hogs in a well-known manner. A guide bar 190 is secured to the
hanger bracket 183 and is engaged by the hind legs of the hog during the
splitting operation. A chain 191 is a continuous chain, but for clarity
purposes has been shown broken away in FIG. 12. The chain 191 has a
well-known guide (not shown) which mounts to the top of the brackets 183
through the holes 183a. The chain 191 runs within the guide and provides a
motive force for the trolley 185. A plurality of fingers 192 project from
the chain 191 and engage the trolley 185 via the trolley frame 187. Such
an overhead conveying device, described so far, is well known in the art.
The direction of travel of the overhead conveyor device 182 is shown by the
arrows in FIG. 12. The carcass shown on the right is being transported to
the carcass splitting apparatus 10. However, the hog carcass C may be
swinging or moving due to a variety of forces which may have acted on the
carcass C. Shown at 193 is a restraining mechanism to prevent oscillations
of the hog carcass C. The restraining mechanism 193 includes a toothed
disc 194 that has a plurality of teeth 194a that engage the chain 191. The
tooth disc 194 acts like a sprocket and catches the chain 191 and causes
the disc 194 to rotate in a clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 12.
Secured between the disc 194 and a pulley 195 is a shaft 196. The shaft
allows for transfer of the rotation of the disc 194 to the pulley 195. An
idler pulley 197 is connected via a belt 198 to the pulley 195. The belt
198 maybe any suitable belt, such as a 1-inch diameter polyurethane belt.
The pulleys and shaft are secured to a floor or framework to provide
stability. A longitudinal axis 199 extends between the center points of
the pulleys 195 and 197.
The belt 198 is positioned so that it engages the carcass C when it is
proximate the pulley 195 and then gradually angles away from the
longitudinal axis of the guide bar 190 so that by the time the carcass C
is proximate the end of the pulley 197 the carcass C is disengaged from
the belt 198. During the travel time from the large pulley 195 to the
idler pulley 197, the movement of the carcass C is steadied. Then, as will
be described more fully hereafter, the carcass C is then ready to be split
by the splitting apparatus 10.
Alternatively, there may be a direct drive for the pulleys 195 and 197 such
as being driven either hydraulically or electrically. It would be
necessary that the alternative drive provides for a speed of the belt 198
which matches the speed of the chain 191. Also, it may be advisable to
have a backup plate directly behind that portion of the belt 198 that
contacts the carcass between the pulleys. The purpose of the backup plate
would be to prevent deforming of the belt inwardly from the weight of the
carcass. Still further, it may be advisable to have another set of pulleys
and belts at a location somewhat higher than the pulleys 195 and 197 shown
in FIG. 12. The purpose for the additional set of pulleys and belt is to
provide another point of contact with the carcass so that two belts would
steady the carcass as it moved along the conveyor device 182.
In operation, the hog carcasses C are delivered to the carcass splitting
apparatus 10 on the overhead conveyor 182. As shown in FIG. 12, the
trolley wheel 186, from which the hog carcass C is supported, moves along
the rail 184 and its speed is controlled by the drop finger 192 on the
drive chain 191. The hog carcass C may have a tendency to oscillate, which
would be detrimental to the accurate splitting of the carcass. In order to
remove the oscillations or movement of the hog carcass C, the hog carcass
C first encounters the restraining mechanism 193. The hog carcass C
strikes the belt 198 proximate the pulley 195. As shown in FIG. 12a, the
belt 198 extends in front of the guide rail 190 so as to contact the hog
carcass C. Then, the belt gradually moves away from the longitudinal axis
of the guide rail 190 so as to disengage from the hog carcass C by the
time the hog carcass C reaches the second pulley 197. Then, the hog
carcass C is ready to enter the carcass splitting apparatus 10.
The longitudinal axis of the conveyor 182 is parallel to that of the
longitudinal axis of the carcass splitting apparatus 10. As viewed in FIG.
3, the hog carcass C would be entering the apparatus 10 approximately the
middle of the belt 154. In viewing FIGS. 3 and 15, it can be seen that the
trolley pusher arm assembly 160 is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of
the carcass splitter 10. This allows for room for the trolley 186 to pass
between the trolley pusher arm assembly 160 and the saw head assembly 90.
The trolley engaging surface 181 is spring-loaded and rides on the guide
rail 184. As viewed in FIG. 12, the trolley engaging surface 181 would be
on the far side, or hidden side, of guide rail 184. The trolley wheel 186
is moved along the guide rail 184 and urges the trolley engaging surface
181 away from the guide rail 184. Then, as the trolley wheel 186
continues, the trolley engaging surface 181 snaps back behind the trolley
wheel 186. There is a proximity switch located in the head of the trolley
engaging surface 181 and this signifies to the apparatus that a hog
carcass is available for splitting. At this time, the saw carriage mast
and spine centering arm assembly 120 are positioned so as to be tilted
backwards out of the way of the carcass C. Further, the carriage assembly
40 is positioned in its home position, or that position which is farthest
upstream. Then, it is necessary for the carriage assembly 40 to accelerate
to the speed of the chain 191. In fact, it is necessary that the speed be
increased faster than the chain 191 so that control of the trolley wheel
186 is taken over by the carcass splitting apparatus 10. This is
accomplished by the hydraulic cylinder 51 retracting to move the carriage
assembly 40 downstream. At the same time, the hydraulic cylinder 165 is
extended causing the leading edge 164a to contact the trolley wheel 186.
The trolley pusher arm assembly 160 is moving along with the carriage
assembly 40 as it is secured thereto. However, since the carriage assembly
40 is now going faster than the chain 191, the movement of the trolley
wheel 186 is controlled by the movement of the carcass splitting apparatus
10 as the trolley wheel 186 is being pushed by the leading edge 164a. The
transducers attach to the hydraulic cylinders 51 and 165 provide precise
feedback as to their location and therefore the speed of the carriage
assembly 40 and position can be precisely monitored. Suitable software and
computer hardware to monitor and control is known.
Once the carriage and probe are coming up to speed, it is necessary that
the hog carcass be centered prior to being split. It is important that the
hog be lined up vertically. First, the pneumatic cylinder 132 is actuated
to tilt the spine centering arm assembly towards the hog carcass C. The
rollers 121 and 122 are pushed forward and as they do they center the
spine as a roller is on each side of the spine. Then, the pneumatic
cylinder 152 is actuated, moving the rack 153 to cause the shoulder
engaging members 143 to close and grasp the hog carcass C proximate the
shoulders. Then the tilt tube assembly 70 is tipped forward toward the hog
carcass C. This brings the nose section 107 in to position in the cavity
112 and aligns the hams of the hog carcass C. Further, as the tilt tube
assembly 70 is moved forward, the plow assembly 102 enters between the
open hog carcass. The tilting is caused by movement of the extending rod
76 of the hydraulic cylinder 75, whose position is monitored by the
transducer 80.
Then, with everything locked in alignment, the saw head assembly 90 begins
moving down the track 91 by movement of the hydraulic cylinder 96, whose
position is again monitored by the transducer 99. The velocity profile of
the saw assembly 90, as it moves downward, can be controlled as typically
the carcass is able to be split faster in the flank section and slower
through the shoulder section. As the saw head assembly approaches the
shoulder flap assembly 140 on the way downward the shoulder flap assembly
140 is opened to allow the carcass to relax and for the carcass to be
split more easily.
After the splitting of the carcass has been completed and the carriage 40
is returning to the home position, the trolley pusher arm assembly 160
necessarily moves with the carriage to the home position. This removes the
trolley-engaging member 164 from the trolley and allows for the drive
chain 191 to resume control of the trolley wheel 186.
Then, when the saw head assembly is at the bottom, the sequence is
reversed. The tilt tube assembly is tilted back out away from the hog
carcass C and the saw blade assembly 90 starts upward. After the saw blade
assembly passes the spine centering arm assembly 120, they are in turn
tilted backwards out of the way. Then, the carriage returns to the home
position, which is moving from the down stream position to the upstream
home position.
Then, when the apparatus 10 is in its home position, and before the next
hog carcass C arrives, the apparatus 10 is sprayed with water to wash the
apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 is constructed from stainless steel to make
washing easier. As viewed in FIG. 1, when in the home position, the shroud
108 of the plow assembly 102 in connection with a second shroud 210 covers
the saw blade so that it may be sprayed without spraying the hog carcasses
C. At the same time, the spine centering arm assembly 120 is sprayed with
water. Finally, the belt 154 is also sprayed.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description
of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many
embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims
hereinafter appended.
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